“Patience and perseverance proved us right in finding the perfect candidate to lead the FWSO into the next chapter," FWSO board chair Mercedes Bass said in a statement. "Keith’s varied experiences with different organizations in multiple capacities prove that he is indeed highly qualified to be leading the FWSO."

Cerny joins the FWSO after serving as general director and CEO of the Calgary Opera in Canada, a position he has held since January. He will step down from Calgary next year, citing difficulty balancing the travel demands of the position and time with family back in Texas.

He comes as music director Miguel Harth-Bedoya prepares to make his exit from the symphony. Harth-Bedoya announced in May that he will step down after the 2019-2020 season — his 20th year with the organization.

"While Keith and I have known one another for several years in the Metroplex, we have not yet had the opportunity to partner on a musical project," Harth-Bedoya said in a statement. "I know that he and I share a common love of the orchestral and operatic repertoire and championing exciting new works, and I look forward to working with him closely in his new role.”